‘Twisters’ Premieres Privately In Oklahoma Ahead of Release Date
"Twisters" finally swept through Oklahoma with an invitation-only premiere in Oklahoma City. Cast members, producers and the film's director attended the private premiere at on July 15 at Harkins Theatres Bricktown 16.
The premiere was by invitation only and unlike typical movie premieres, members of the public were unaware and therefore were not able to watch the stars walk a red carpet in downtown Oklahoma City. News of the premiere in Oklahoma did not hit social media until a few hours before the private screening.
Various members of the press were present for the premiere and a number if invited guests, including Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt.
The official "Twisters" social media accounts posted a reel of the stars arriving in Oklahoma City. Many Oklahomans commented on the TikTok video stating that they wished they would have known about it so that they could be in Bricktown to support the cast and film.
@twistersmovie All the Love for Oklahoma. #twistersmovie #glenpowell #daisyedgarjones @Anthony Ramos ♬ original sound - twistersmovie
It's odd that the public wasn't aware of 'Twisters' premiere.
Oklahomans have been known to be proud of the movies filmed in the Sooner State. Actors who lived here while filming have even commented that the people in Oklahoma are kind and welcoming. And out of all the films made in Oklahoma, "Twister" holds a special place in the hearts of all Oklahomans. So much so that they consider Bill Paxton an honorary Oklahoman.
So when "Twisters" began filming in Oklahoma in 2023, Oklahomans were excited to welcome the franchise back to the Sooner State. Before filming began, Oklahomans were being recruited as extras, even their pickup trucks were being cast. And during filming, Oklahomans were excited to see crews in downtown Oklahoma City and other areas across the state.
When the movie trailer dropped during this year's Super Bowl, all of Oklahoma celebrated like the state had won the big game. And when time inched closer to the movie's release date on July 19, some Oklahomans began wondering if the movie would have a premiere in Oklahoma.
The "Twisters" press tour began at the end of June and had the film's premiere in London and Los Angeles. And there was still no word made to the public if the film would get a premiere in Oklahoma - the state the script is based in and where the movie was filmed.
But then on July 15, just a few hours before the private movie screening took place, Oklahomans saw on social media that "Twisters" was having an Oklahoma premiere.
A majority of Oklahoma has been looking forward to this film for years. Some would have liked the opportunity to celebrate the film outside a local movie theater with the cast present and maybe even get the opportunity for a photo or autograph. But they weren't allowed that opportunity. And it's disheartening.
Oklahomans knew about Oklahoma premiere for 'Twister' in 1996.
"Twisters" predecessor "Twister" was also filmed in Oklahoma and was released in 1996. According to an article from The Oklahoman, on March 2, 1996, then governor Mary Fallin announced that "Twister" would have an Oklahoma premiere on May 15, 1996, at Penn Square Mall in Oklahoma City. For this premiere, the Oklahoma Film Commission had public ticket sales and other premiere events planned for the public. The ticket sales were used as a fundraiser for the Red Cross.
Oklahomans will still turn out for 'Twisters' in droves.
Although Oklahomans didn't get any public opportunities to celebrate "Twisters," they will still see the movie in theaters when it officially releases on July 19. Some Oklahomans have plans to see the film with friends and family. "Twisters" is set to be the blockbuster of the summer, but it already has been in Oklahoma.
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